About offering

Geologists study how the Earth works, including the natural planetary processes and issues directly affecting people, such as viability of resources, geological hazards, climate change and environmental protection.

The first year gives you a basic foundation in chemistry, physics, maths, scientific communication and computer skills, as well as an introduction to geology. The second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes. The final year provides comprehensive coverage of all applied disciplines of geology.

The first two years of the program are based in Perth at the Bentley campus, and the third year is offered at Bentley only (as the Applied Geology stream) or in Kalgoorlie only at Curtin’s WA School of Mines (as the Mining Geology stream). This three year course, Petroleum Geology stream only, is also based at Curtin Malaysia campus in Miri, Sarawak.

Some streams in this course are not available to students studying in Australia; please refer to information provided for individual streams.

The course contains practical and work-relevant components that include practical geological work similar to that conducted in resources and environmental industry settings. This includes hands-on computing and practical exercises with industry standard software and geology field trips to various sites.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

What you'll learn

synthesise geological data on a range of spatial and temporal scales to make interpretations that allow for scientific uncertainty

communicate geological information concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation

employ new and established technologies to collect and interpret geological data, recognising their strengths and limitations

acquire geological knowledge and expertise from a range of sources in a variety of situations

appreciate international perspectives on geoscience and recognise the importance of global standards for collecting and reporting geological data

recognise the need for sustainable use of earth resources, and value environmental, indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities

work ethically and professionally alone and as part of a team, complying with applicable legislation and managing time and other resources efficiently and effectively

Why study Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology)

This is a hands-on, practical course with direct industry involvement

This comprehensive course qualifies graduates for many geology careers

We offer a range of relevant double degree options with enhanced career options

You will have the opportunity to study at Curtin's Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), a leader in mining and geosciences education in Australia.

How this course will make you industry ready

After two years of grounding in the fundamentals of geology, your final year will focus on its application in the work place. You'll study minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries and complete practical exercises that mirror as closely as possible the activities undertaken by industry professionals.

Student profile

View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Career information

Geologist

Geological Engineer

Many graduates work in the mineral and petroleum industries, with some working in groundwater and environmental geology. You will also be well placed to work in global applied geology roles for large organisations, mining companies or consultancy firms.

What kind of applicant are you?

Completed your secondary education in Australia within the past two years? Learn how you can apply to Curtin.

Applicants with work and life experience(Finished secondary education more than two years ago)

See how to apply if you’ve completed a pathway program, finished secondary education more than two years ago or spent time in the workforce.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Learn how you can gain entry with a TAFE or other vocational education training (VET) qualification.

Applicants with higher education study

Find out how to apply and what credit you may be eligible for if you have previous higher education study.

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, but also includes those who may have completed their senior secondary studies with a TAFE or other VET provider within the same time frame. This includes applicants whose secondary education was undertaken interstate or overseas.

Guaranteed ATAR: 70

This is the ATAR level at which an offer of admission is guaranteed, subject to any other non-ATAR criteria being met.

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):

Mathematics: Applications ATAR, or equivalent.

STAT entry:&nbspWritten English, Verbal and Quantitative

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies considered important for success at uni.
These tests are provided by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to help mature age candidates apply for certain courses.

Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Lowest selection rank to which a recent Year 12 student offer was made (including the consideration of any equity or other adjustment factors)

View the lowest selection rank (incorporating ATAR plus any adjustments) of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the most relevant recent intake period, this includes any ATAR adjustments.

ATAR and selection rank profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most recent intake period

Applicants with work and life experience(Finished secondary education more than two years ago)

Applicants with work and life experience are those who left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Guaranteed ATAR: 70

This is the ATAR level at which an offer of admission is guaranteed, subject to any other non-ATAR criteria being met.

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):

Mathematics: Applications ATAR, or equivalent.

STAT entry:&nbspWritten English, Verbal and Quantitative

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies considered important for success at uni.
These tests are provided by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to help mature age candidates apply for certain courses.

Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Guaranteed ATAR: 70

This is the ATAR level at which an offer of admission is guaranteed, subject to any other non-ATAR criteria being met.

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies considered important for success at uni.
These tests are provided by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) to help mature age candidates apply for certain courses.

Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability. Find out more about portfolio entry.

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This includes applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It also includes applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Essential course prerequisites

Mathematics.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Other requirements and notes for this course

Mid-year intake is not available for international students.

Domestic students commencing mid-year might need to study part time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the course in three years because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Advanced standing / credit transfer / recognition of prior learning

Australia / New Zealand students

Student type toggle

International students

At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.

You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.

If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.

A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.

CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.

Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees for 2019

Fee year: 2019

Student type

Cost

Commonwealth supported

What is a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)?

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government. They pay part of the course fees directly to Curtin and then the student pays the remainder (referred to as the “student contribution amount”). The student can defer this fee to their HECS-HELP loan.

All Australian students studying an undergraduate degree are automatically awarded a Commonwealth supported place. A limited number of Commonwealth supported places are also available for some postgraduate courses.

Learn more about CSPs and whether you’re eligible by visiting the Australian Government’s StudyAssist website.

$9,370*

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 600 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

International student fees for 2019

Fee year: 2019

International onshore – fee paying

Cost

Indicative essential incidental course fee

$2,320*

Offer letter (100 credit) published fee

$17,300*

Total indicative course fee

$109,800*

Indicative year 1 fee

$35,400*

Fee year: 2020

International onshore – fee paying

Cost

Indicative essential incidental course fee

$2,320*

Offer letter (100 credit) published fee

$18,000*

Total indicative course fee

$114,200*

Indicative year 1 fee

$36,800*

The fees shown above apply to international students studying on-campus in Western Australia. The tuition fee is subject to an annual tuition fee increase of up to 5 per cent per annum. For information about fees at other locations please visit Curtin International’s offshore site.

Next steps

If you are successful in your application to study at Curtin, you will receive a letter of offer via email. You can either accept or defer your offer. To find out more about this process, view our enrolment web page.

Applicants with other international qualifications

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.

Curtin University would like to pay our respect to the indigenous members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Bentley Campus is located, the Wadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie Campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.Watch our traditional Aboriginal welcome